Afghanistan media should be strong voice for national interests

02/05/2018

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Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

It is a date that acts as a reminder to governments to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.

Since 1919, Afghanistan media has passed various ups and downs. Our media has now been varied and improved. Open press is considered as the first characteristics of democracy in which each individual can openly express his or her visions and thoughts without any fear, pressure and prosecution as well as defend freedom of expression without attacking to personal privacy.

Press freedom is also considered as the fourth pillar of democracy as the people get united for the victory of democracy. Our press has today faced with various challenges, problems and new tasks if not addressed responsibly, individuals cannot find their positions in structures of political power.

Afghanistan media should be a strong voice for the country’s national unity. Press should have power and capability in defending the country’s national interests and counter enemies of our national interests. National interests of countries are mostly harmed in propagation wars.

The balance of countries’ culture and civilization is measured by quality of media and its works. Enhancement of the level of knowledge and interest of the people in culture of study have direct connection to media. Media can be developed if be independent, oversee and monitor works of the government and help the government amend its shortcomings and mistakes. In today’s circumstances, press should be free of political and religious depondencies so that we can have conscious and proud press and defend the country’s history and culture as well as language honors.

Open media is the conscience and honor of each country and nurture the people of each country based on human morale and respect to human dignity. Journalists usually know pain and mistakes. Professional journalists continue their work in peace and war circumstances as reporting requires bravery and boldness.